Skipper Chona Powers Matero Magic to Victory as Group E BAL Qualifiers Get Underway

Skipper Chona Powers Matero Magic To Victory As Group E BAL Qualifiers Get Underway

Zambia's Matero Magic clinched a tough 78-71 win over Mozambique's Costa do Sol as Road to BAL, East Division Group E qualifiers got underway un Zimbabwe.

It was a closely contested game, one that registered 16 lead changes and 10 ties before the Zambian champions pulled away in the last five minutes of the clash for the seven-point victory that leaves them third in the six-team competition after the opening day.

Costa do Sol led 9-8 in the opening five minutes of the quarter and it was evident this was going to be anyone's game as the two sides tied on 18 points in the opening quarter.

The Mozambique champions started strongly in the second quarter, scoring 15 while restricting the opponent to six in the opening half of the second period for a nine-point advantage.

The eventual winners, however, turned the tables in the second part of the quarter going on a 15-03 run of their own to head to the lockerrooms leading 39-36, setting the stage for a scintillating battle in the second half.

"Starting off with a win is big. We wanted to get the nerve off with the first game and we will keep this momentum going. We know what we came here for and we have the first one handled."

"We played as a team and I got to hit some shots which is good. We are looking to win all our matches so we will regroup for the next one and execute for victory," stated Matero Magic's Saul Phiri.

His side dominated the paint, scoring 30 against the opponent's 18. The second half saw Costa do Sol go on a 23-21 run to trail by a single point heading to the last quarter.

The scores read 66-65 in favour of the Mozambicans with five minutes to go but Matero Magic, who had skipper Chongo Chona top scoring with 22, went on a 13-05 run to assure themselves of victory.

Phiri was the side's top performer on efficiency, registering a double-double of 12 points, 13 rebound and three assists but teammate Elijah Mukalebai was the hero of the day for the Tamanga Boys, as the team is fondly know. He registered a double-double on 12 points, 11 rebounds and was two assists away from bagging a triple-double.

Costa do Sol's charge was led by Ayad Munguambe with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebound. Houna and Zandamela also maged double digits in points with 14 and 12 respectively.

On Thursday, Costa do Sol will look to bag their first win when they take on debutants Fox Basketball from South Sudan while Matero Magic take on Brave Hearts of Malawi in search of a second victory.

[Photography Courtesy of Matero Magic, FIBA]